NAV CANADA and the Victoria Airport Authority, held a groundbreaking event for the construction of the new Victoria Airport Control Tower.
“NAV CANADA is consistently working to update its essential infrastructure. The new tower will enhance service delivery with improved control tower sight lines over the airfield,” said Raymond Bohn, president and CEO, NAV CANADA. “Additionally, to support our net-zero goals by 2050, we are adopting comprehensive strategies to ensure the sustainability of our new facilities”.
Designed in collaboration with the Victoria Airport Authority, NAV CANADA’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Tower will be powered by green power from BC Hydro to operate with zero GHG emissions, aside from its emergency power generator.
The focus on sustainability doesn’t end with the building itself. NAV CANADA is taking a step further by incorporating Indigenous bushes, natural grasses, and wildflowers to restore Garry Oak Meadow in the tower’s landscaping, which is one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada.
To minimize the attraction of birds for aviation safety reasons, only plants that do not yield fruits or berries have been selected as part of the landscaping project. The control tower property will also feature permeable pavers in the parking area, which allow water to soak through them to minimize ground water run-off and reduce the risk of flooding.
The construction of the new Victoria Airport Control Tower begins in spring 2024 and it is expected to be completed by 2027. The tower will have a total height of 27.7m and a total gross floor area of 791.4 square metres.
